Gabe decided that he wanted a cowboy party for his 5th birthday, which is very befitting, if you know Gabe. He’s known for wearing his cowboy boots ALL year round- whether snow or 90 degrees. His poor toes can peek out of the holes now. This party was so very him, and honestly, I had a lot fun with the idea myself.

I knew I wanted a great shot of him in his “git-up” for the party, so I took him outside for 5 minutes and snapped away on his last day of being 4. I kept telling him to make a mean face, and he kept trying and trying, until finally, he nailed it. Here are a few of them…..

This is the shot I used for his “WANTED” sign, which you’ll see below. Is he ridiculous or what?!

We decorated the house with burlap, a couple patterned fabrics, and cut up jeans. I bought those cute cow print balloons online, and our huge chalkboard wall had brown paper stars and cacti all over to represent the night scene out on the cowboy trail. (I told you, I had too much fun with this….) MY PERSONAL FAVORITE part was my old cowboy/western music mix….dang it was good.

I wasn’t very good about taking pictures, so by the time I got this shot supplies were running low. This table was out front for people to get gussied up before walking in….

Riah drew the sheriff below, which we used to play “pin the mustache on the sheriff.”

And there’s the sign I made with his photograph!

I didn’t get a single food shot, but Brett did it up. We had homemade sloppy joe’s, baked beans, biscuits, cornbread (thanks mom), jalapeno slaw, and then bottled root beer, and sarsaparilla!

Sweet little Eli is getting so BIG.

The thumb came up, yo!

This cake….oh my! My friend Lisa made this yummalicious, dairy-free cake for Gabe. She even knew that we’re not into artificial colors, so she used turmeric and lemon to make the yellow, and a sprig of rosemary for the “sagebrush!”  It was awesome!!

Priya made her amazing granola trail mix to send off with each varmint/partner/kinfolk.

Pretty sure Gabe won’t be forgetting this party for a while. ;)

Five years came and went, and I can still easily recall the moment when you joined us, born at home, surrounded by your family. Adin rubbed your hairy arms and commented on how soft they felt, “like a peach.” I starred at another little man brought into my life, and wondered how in the WORLD would I manage 3 boys…where would this tiny being “fit” into our family, and what role would you play in this journey called life?

Today I look at you…chocolate brown eyes, blond hair that’s beginning to darken, and you’re loud, crazy cute, and funny as all get out. You’re totally the family comedian. I’ve often contemplated taking you on the road and charging tickets for your performances. The best part- you know you’re funny. Sometimes, when you’re really going, we just can’t stop you. You’ll talk to the neighbors like old friends. You’ll roll down the car window and scream things at people like, “Hope you’re having a great day!” “Oh, wow, like that shirt!” Or, sometimes, you say things you shouldn’t say…Like about a month ago, we pulled up to Costco and you yelled out the window, “Hey lady, your boobies are hanging out.” After I covered my face and cried for 5 minutes (from laughter), we talked about inappropriate things to say to people.

Seriously kid? I adore you. You have us rolling in laughter on a daily basis.

I tell the “thumb” story all the time. You came up to me this winter with a very serious look on your face. You said, “Mom, I’m four (with 4 fingers up), but pretty soon my thumb is gonna come up, and then I’ll be ALL big.” (Then my heart exploded) You’ve been talking about that thumb ever since, and couldn’t believe it had “come up” the morning of your birthday. Like, it REALLY happened!?

Even though you’re five, you still suck your two middle fingers when you’re tired or want to be comforted…and frankly, you’re my baby, so I really don’t mind. ;) Cuddling with Mama and Baba is your favorite thing to do…often holding our ears and kissing our faces like crazy. The other day you just completely melted me when you cupped my face with your two little hands, looked me in the eyes and said, “Mommy, you so precious.” I’m sure this is a repeat of what what you’ve heard many times over, but it was said with such innocence and sincerity.

You hug me so tightly you take my breath away.

Lately, I make you laugh SO hard by acting like I’m throwing a tantrum about my baby boy growing up…complete with screaming, pounding my fists, and major frowning. I love that I can still make you laugh…your brothers and sister are well past that point. ;)

Every night we have the same routine. Baba and I hug you in bed while I pray, and then we sing your special “Birdie Song” that goes:

“See the little birdie, flying up so high, to the land of happy dreams, fa-le-lullaby.
See the little birdie, spread his wings and fly, as I sing this song to you, fa-le-lullaby.”

You sing the same tune, but repeat these words instead: “I love mama baba, I love mama baba, I love mama baba.”

MELT.
I don’t know what I’ll do when you stop singing with us.

What a little blessing you are, baby boy. And now, of course, I just couldn’t imagine our family unit functioning without the light and pure joy you bring. Thankful for every day with you.